Letter: Step up to support Rapp’s high-quality education

Interim superintendent Kathy Grove and the school board have created a budget fornext year that continues the forward momentum of our school system.

My three boys graduated from RCHS in 2001 and 2006, and over these past 25 years, I’ve witnessed the inspiring improvement in our school system. Rigorous core course offerings, stimulating arts classes and the many technical courses continue to provide our students with firm foundation for their futures.

This has been accomplished through a strong partnership between our community and the school system. It is time to step up to renew that partnership. As a taxpayer in Rappahannock County without children in our schools, I recognize that it is in my best interest to have well-educated fellow citizens and I’m willing to pay my share toward the success of our schools.

Our school system is at a crossroads as the school board prepares to hire a new superintendent. This new leader will continue to strengthen our public school system for its current students and those arriving in the future.

As the economy improves and nearby school systems begin hiring, I hope we’ll be able to retain our best teachers in Rappahannock. The school board’s request for a 3-percent salary increase for all school system employees is reasonable and fair. Replacing aging school buses is expensive, but is critical to the safety of our students.

For additional information about the 2013-2014 school budget, see Kathy Grove’s presentation to the supervisors online at rappahannockschools.us (navigate to School Board, then Budget).

I know that there is strong support for our public school system among Rappahannock County citizens. The board of supervisors’ public hearing on the budget is this Monday (April 29) at 7 p.m. at the elementary school. I encourage everyone to speak with your representative so they know of your continuing support for an excellent, high-quality education in Rappahannock.

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